Jockey rotations caused by penalties and away fixtures have returned the reins to Beau Mertens on Sabaj heading into the Australian Cup.
Price had broken the unwelcome news to Mertens earlier, stating Mark Zahra would pilot Sabaj in Saturday’s Group 1 at Flemington.
The plan flipped soon after Zahra’s careless riding ban from Caulfield Heath midweek, compounded by a Saturday whip infringement suspension that bars him.
“If only I had waited, I would have been a good bloke, instead I’ve covered myself in shame,” Price said.
“I had to put my arm around Beau again as there are riders going left, right and centre.”
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr’s charge Sabaj lines up for the Australian Cup off a fourth-place effort in the March 7 All-Star Mile (1600m) over Flemington.
Ahead that afternoon were Australian Cup foes Tom Kitten and Pride Of Jenni, as Birdman prepares via a triumph in the March 14 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield.
Price mentioned enthusiasm for testing Sabaj at the 2000m distance.
“He’s a big clean-winded horse and we’ve been working him for 2000 metres,” Price said.
“I think he’ll show up, but he’s got to be good enough on the day. He’s a nice, sound horse, and he seems to go on all types of ground.
“If Jenni turns up, she will be unbeatable and Birdman, he’s coming through the 1800-metre race.
“It’s a competitive race, he likes Flemington. It will be a small field, he’s a relaxed horse, so he should travel good.”
Prior to the All-Star Mile, Sabaj suffered a minor interruption, causing the team to adjust their strategy.
Initial thoughts were Blamey Stakes (1600m) then Peter Young Stakes, yet that was shelved.
“My question on the horse starting in the Australian Cup is he has to be good enough on the day to win a 2000-metre weight-for-age race,” Price said.
“I do think it’s a better option than the Doncaster Mile and it’s staring us in the face, so we might as well try it.”
Beyond Saturday, options include the Sydney Carnival’s closing stages up north or Queensland Winter Carnival events for Sabaj, per Price.
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